A NEW FOREST School for young people with emotional, social, behavioural and mental health difficulties has been rated Outstanding across the board.

Government inspectors praised Coxlease School in Lyndhurst and said the school turns "very negative attitudes into positive ones."

Ofsted inspectors gave the top rating to all aspects of the school and said pupils are highly stimulated by engaging lessons and are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

They said the school provides an environment in which "pupils can flourish, providing wide and rich learning experiences" and added: "In often a short space of time, the school is able to turn pupils’ very negative attitudes into positive ones. Pupils quickly become confident learners and show a genuine passion for learning."

Coxlease is an independent school run by the Priory Group which has six associated children's homes for boys and girls between the ages of eight and 18.

Principal Karen Gaster said: "This momentous outcome for the school is testament to the hard work and professionalism of all of the staff involved across Coxlease. They consistently demonstrate high levels of commitment to our pupils, placing them at the centre of everything that we do."

Inspectors said a key to the school’s success was the outstanding quality of teaching, learning and assessment, along with the high expectations of pupils.

"Despite their low starting points when joining the school, pupils rapidly gain the life and learning skills that they need to move on to the next stage of their education with confidence" said the report.

Mark Underwood, Chief Executive Officer of Priory Education Services, said: "I am very proud of this outcome. The staff have worked tirelessly to support, motivate and encourage students.

"I have a great leadership team and parents have worked with us to help us do the very best we can for their children. This all-round commitment and partnership between staff, students and parents has been the foundation of our success."